Rakuyu was a wonderful experience for us. One can't speak highly enough of the amazing views seen from the lobby and the rooms facing the lake. We thought it was absolutely the highlight of our stay. The staff was kind and it is very easy to reach the Kawaguchiko Station back and forth via a WhatsApp call. We also booked the private Onsen (for couples)which was an additional fee as the regular Onsen are seperated (male and female apart) and you can't enjoy them with a spouse. The view from the private Onsen are beautiful but the water were too warm for our liking so if you plan on taking the private Onsen be prepared to notify the staff if the water exceeds the proper temperature so you can fully enjoy the experience.

Unblocked view of Lake Kawaguchiko right from bed!!!! This is the main draw. Spacious room. Onsen - during our 4 day there - the most “crowded” was once at 8pm where I shared the onsen with 2 other ladies. Club access - drinks (alcohol & non alcohol drinks), small snacks available at 3-5pm; 5-730pm. We never tried the 3-5pm one but the evening snacks are pretty yummy - some cold dishes and usually 3-4 hot ones, we had tempura and karage on different nights. Breakfast is delicious. (See photo). Range of Japanese & western options - salad, fruit, pastries, eggs, Japanese rice & pickles, soup, grilled fish. Attentive hotel staff, speak English. Convenience - lots of tourist souvenir shops within 5 mins of hotel - each sells a slightly different range of cutesy items - tax free above 5,500 yen. Next to bus stop - red line. Hotel shuttle to train station. ~15 mins short stroll. Note : there is no view of Mount Fuji from hotel. Centrally located near lake Kawaguchiko, away from the train station crowds. Quiet. No bathtub in room but updated shower, double sinks and excellent Toto toilet in our room. You can choose the level of cleaning desired. As a moderate size hotel - there are fixed times for cleaning, shuttles, club access etc - as long as you are okay with it, it works well. Love the overall design, look and feel of hotel. It wasn’t too crowded when we were there and the hotel delivered as it promised. we had a relaxing time - just what we needed. Thank you, Rakuyu.

The steep slope leading up to hotel is true! Follow the scheduled hotel ferry if you don’t wish to do that climb or go by the other longer way. Stores close by 5-6pm and there will not be dinner options near hotel. The evening cocktails in hotel is adequate for snack but be prepared to taxi / venture out otherwise if you are looking for something more.

- Great Ambience - Hotel Lobby, Lounge, and both Western Room and Japanese Ryokan-Style Room with private bath - Sprawling Rooms - Spectacular View - Superb service - met in parking lot by 2 attendants who immediately took bags The entire experience from start to finish felt generous, impactful, and expansive. Even though we only saw Fuji peaking out for a short while in the morning, we found the entire stay freeing and relaxing.

- Lounge and breakfast dining experience could be a bit less frustrating, even if that means an extra fee. Lounge had some desirable, Instagram-worthy items like Sushi, but most items besides fries and hot dog sausages are set out in very limited quantities and at 30-minute intervals. I saw the Karaage being put out and thought I should get some after pouring myself a drink. The first two people grabbed all of it, so waited about 30 minutes before giving up and returning to my room. I recommend maybe having a few more decent hot items (other than french fries) that are replenished more generously. - The hotel is on quite a steep incline.

Stunning views and a wonderful onsen! The staff was so nice and helped us with anything we needed. The food during tea time and cocktail hour were great. Will definitely stay again if travel back to Mt. Fuji.

We decided to walk to the hotel from the bus station since google maps told us it was a 15 minute walk and relatively flat (we were aware we could call for a pickup, but had just been on a bus for two hours and wanted to stretch our legs!). However, while the walk was relatively easy, it was not flat, and we would not recommend it with a suitcase!

We liked so many things about this hotel!! Firstly, the staff were so incredibly helpful and kind, we felt very taken care of. There are no elevators in the building but we left our luggage there before coming back to check in and they had carried our 3 luggages up and into our room for us. They also have free shuttle transfers to and from Kawaguchiko station which was also great for us having 3 luggages! The location provides an incredible view of the lake from the rooms (which have huge windows so you can see) and the room was super spacious! We made use of the private bath which was so relaxing and overlooked the lake at night time. The location is also great, it’s a 15 min walk to the station and also very close to some little shops, restaurants and a Lawson by the lake. Walking around this neighbourhood was so peaceful and beautiful, we’ll definitely miss being here!

The only thing we didn’t enjoy was walking up the hill to get to the hotel, especially after a day hike summiting Mt Fuji! But you don’t get the gorgeous views without the hotel being up higher! No elevators - not much of an issue as they took our bags up for us but coming down also wasn’t the funnest

Overall it was nice. The onsen has a nice view. Staff was nice and breakfast and tea time selections were great. The Lounge area was great as well. They also provide shuttle service to Kawaguchiko.

The shuttle service is unavailable for certain hours, so just make sure to take that into account. While the amenities are nice, the price is a bit high given it doesn't have the Fuji view.

Although you cannot see Mt. Fuji, the view of Fujikawaguchiko is still marvelous. The public onsen offers the same stunning scenery. Additionally, the lounge provides unlimited food and drinks for guests. It's location is just next to the Ropeway is a plus.

Since the hotel is located at mid-level, the steep road leading to and from the hotel can be a bit intimidating, especially at night. Additionally, the private onsen closes a bit early.

Perfect stay.

The way to the hotel is indeed very steep. RECOMMENDATION: Take the way that passes Tenjoyamogokoku Shrine from the station to the hotel (this way will also be suggested by Google maps). It is walkable with suitcases, less steep and does not take longer.

The rooms and meals are very traditional Japanese with tatami mats and futons for sleeping on the floor. The rooms are spacious and have a great view of the Tawaguchiko Lake. The sunsets were beautiful. Our booking included the Japanese breakfast which was delicious, and substantial and energized us through our days of biking and hiking. There are several local restaurants nearby for lunch and dinner as well. While at the hotel, we opted for their Kaiseki Dinner one night. It was a 9-course meal that did not disappoint and included sashimi, vegetables, pickles, soup, Wagyu beef that you sear at the table, and a delicious eel and rice dish that is cooked at your table while you at other courses, all beautifully presented. We were quite full after this wonderful meal. Their service was all very gracious. There is a bike rental shop a short distance from the hotel which we took advantage of. The tram to the top of the mountain with a view deck to see Mt. Fuji is also a short walk away.

Service: - Check-in went smoothly and the main concierge staff is proficient in English - The staff kindly let us store our luggage before our official check-in time - Their free shuttle service was super helpful in getting us back and forth from Kawaguchiko Station. (Tip: Before you check-in, you can ask a station staff to call the hotel to arrange a pick up for you. You can also get a taxi from the station if you need to drop off your things earlier. The property is on a ridiculously long and steep hill so don't even try walking there with heavy luggage lol) Facilities: - The property itself is very clean and a bit more modern compared to other ryokans I have been to at this price point. - The room was super spacious- there are separate areas for lounging and sleeping so no need for staff to rearrange anything in the room during your stay. - Windows are very large so you can enjoy much of the lake view - The wooden private bath in our room was also a big plus - Quite generous with towels (big plus if you like to use the bath often) There are also stacks of towels in public baths as well Food: - There's actually a surprising variety of appetizers and food during cocktail hours. Like others, we found it to be more than enough for dinner. It was like a mini Japanese/Western buffet with free booze! - The breakfast buffet was quite nice and filling as well. Also a decent mix of Japanese and Western dishes.

- There are no elevators so it can be a bit of a struggle if you're bringing down heavy luggage during check out. - As others mentioned, the check out time is also a bit earlier than expected (10 AM). - The property is on a very steep hill, so it's not the easiest to get around the area by foot. But it's not secluded either, so there are some shops to browse in the neighborhood if you'd like to get some fresh air :)